Allergies manifest themselves differently in different age groups. In infants and young children allergy takes the form of atopic dermatitis (eczema) or food allergies. Children with atopic dermatitis are at increased risk of developing allergies and asthma, most likely between the ages of one and a half to six years. This model is the transition from one form of allergic disease to another is known as the "atopic march".

"Atopic" - a term that doctors use to describe the allergic nature of a disease (eg, atopic conjunctivitis, atopic dermatitis, atopic rhinitis, atopic asthma, and others). Allergens ie pathogens can be food, external triggers are: pollen, mold, dander and fur Dandruff: where it comes from, and what to do   pets.

Atopic dermatitis

Typically, atopic dermatitis - the earliest manifestation of allergy is observed in 10-20% of children, often in infancy. Atopic dermatitis (diathesis or infantile eczema) is characterized by itching and rash on the combed areas of the skin. The rash is red and dry, may cause many small bubbles that eventually flake with the release of the contents.

In infants and young children, the rash usually occurs on the face (especially the cheeks), chest and abdomen, as well as the hands and feet. Such a distribution of rash on the body due to the fact that these areas of child easy to comb the appearance of itching. In older children localization rash changes, and atopic dermatitis extends to elbow and popliteal folds on the side of the neck, upper chest and hands. Food allergies and external lead to exacerbation of atopic dermatitis.

Food Allergies

Many children have food allergies. They usually occur after the transition from soft to solid food. Almost all children with food allergy after the use of the product, there are allergen skin symptoms: hives, swelling, itching, or redness of the skin. These symptoms usually appear within a few minutes after consuming the product-allergen, but in some cases the symptoms noticeable only in a few hours.
  Other symptoms of food allergy in young children: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain Abdominal pain: Types and Symptoms , Diarrhea, shortness of breath (a sign of asthma), runny nose, sneezing, and dizziness. In some cases, children have a severe allergic reaction - anaphylactic shock, a life-threatening.

Atopic rhinitis

Atopic rhinitis occurs in about 50% of children with atopic dermatitis. In most cases atopic rhinitis occurs only at school age, but sometimes the first symptoms appear earlier. As a rule, the impetus for atopic rhinitis are the external triggers: pet dander, dust and mold (in young children) and pollen (in older children).

Symptoms of allergic rhinitis: sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose and eyes, nasal congestion. Sometimes nose "flows" under the eyes appear dark circles ("allergic lights"), the child is constantly t nose and nose ("allergic salute").

Bronchial asthma

Asthma occurs in 8% of the world population, is the most common chronic disease of childhood. In most cases, asthma is caused by allergies; every fourth child suffering from atopic rhinitis develop asthma. Asthma can occur at any age, but is most often seen in men aged dopubertatnogo and women in their teens. Sometimes it is difficult to diagnose asthma in young children, so it is best to contact a specialist, not a therapist.

The symptoms of asthma:

• cough. In some cases, the cough may be the only symptom. The cough is often dry, hacking, worse at night and exercise. Some children cough so strong that causes vomiting.
• wheezing. Inhaling and exhaling accompanied by a high whistling. As a rule, wheezing exacerbation increases with other asthma symptoms after physical exertion and exposure to other triggers of asthma.
• shortness of breath. In some children, there is shortness of breath, which is why they are less active than their peers. Children with more severe forms of asthma suffer from shortness of breath even at rest and during sleep.
• feeling of tightness in the chest. The child has the feeling, as if someone has strong hug, he may complain of chest pain Chest pain is one symptom - a lot of diseases .
• Other symptoms nonspecific for asthma: poor appetite, constant fatigue and lethargy, unwillingness to participate in games with other children, sleep disturbances Dreams: how to understand our dreams .

If the child has one or more of the above symptoms may have his allergy. We recommend to consult with an allergist or immunologist and undergo a medical examination.

Herpes treatment in children - a difficult task, it is only by a specialist. A feature of any childhood infection is the tendency to generalize the process, that is, its spread to all the organs and systems. The younger the child, the higher the risk of generalization of herpes - which is why the child to treat herpes can be entrusted only to a doctor.

Basic principles of treatment of herpes in children

The main causative agent of herpes infection in children is herpes simplex virus type 1 Herpes Type 1 - is rarely a significant threat to human   - HSV-1. This virus is often embedded in the body of the child between the ages of 3 and 7 years, and remains there forever. Remove it from the body impossible, so such a problem to the doctor and not worth it.

The principle of treatment of herpes children based on the fact that during the primary infection and chronic recurrent herpes should suppress the propagation of HSV-1, and take his activity. This is achieved by administering antivirals.

Inactive herpes virus "hides in the nerve ganglia cells (usually in the trigeminal ganglia, located in the cranial cavity), and does not manifest itself until such time until there are suitable conditions for its propagation. Such conditions occur when the immune protection of the child abuse. The reproduction of the virus leads to a relapse. Therefore, the second objective of the treatment of herpes in children is to strengthen immunity Strengthening the immune system - help the immune system .

Herpes antiviral therapy in children

Antiviral therapy may be the system (with an impact on the entire body) and local or outdoor. Antiviral drugs for systemic effects often makes sense to appoint primary herpes when he runs hard, with high fever, intoxication and significant lesions of the skin and mucous membranes.

As antiviral medicament for systemic effects in children is most often used acyclovir Acyclovir - as it is safe? Which is well tolerated by children and usually does not produce side effects. Dose and duration of its use doctor prescribes individually. If home treatment is prescribed acyclovir tablets. If the child requires hospitalization, acyclovir often administered by injection.

More efficient and modern drugs of this series Valtrex and Famvir in children are rarely enforced, as there is still little experience of their use in pediatrics.

Symptomatic treatment of herpes in children

Sometimes herpes in children it runs hard, with high fever, intoxication and impaired consciousness. In such cases, to relieve him of the child prescribed drugs that reduce symptoms of the disease.

First of all, such a child is required to lower the temperature, reduce pain and swelling in inflamed skin and mucous membranes. For this purpose, the most suitable drugs from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents. Very good reduce the temperature of drugs such as Nurofen, ibuprofen, ibuklin. At the same time they reduce the inflammation and swelling of the tissues, relieves pain.

If the swelling is significant, then further prescribe antihistamines such as suprastin or tavegil - they are well removed swelling, burning and itching and also cause drowsiness - the child can sleep.

External and local funds for the treatment of herpes in children

When a moderate course of herpes prescribe antiviral drugs for external and local application. In most children with this purpose prescribed Zovirax cream Zovirax - time-proven antiviral drug Which is applied on the affected skin and mucous membranes every 4 hours for at least four days. For speedy bubbles prisyhaniya them smeared with aniline dyes. For example, a rash on the skin can be lubricated with 1% alcoholic solution of brilliant green. Suitable well or 5% solution of potassium permanganate.

When rash on the mucous membrane of the mouth can be treated with a solution furatsilina, an aqueous solution of methylene blue, tincture and decoction of herbs - St. John's wort, calendula, chamomile.

In severe herpes Zovirax cream appointment can be combined with the appointment of antiviral drugs for systemic effects.

Immunomodulatory therapy

The most common drugs prescribed immunomodulators children do not. Exceptions are drugs interferon, for example, viferon with rectal suppositories - this drug activates all kinds of immunity and has antiviral action.

Beyond acute herpes strengthens the immune system with the help of a balanced diet, prolonged exposure to the outdoors, destination vitamin-mineral complexes, and so on. In children, this is usually enough. If the recurrence of herpes continues to be repeated frequently, should refer to the immunologist to check immunity - for this there are special laboratory tests (blood immunogram). Immunomodulators immunologist appointed strictly on the results of the survey.

Galina Romanenko